Robotic Weight Apply Station

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for processing a tire-wheel assembly comprising a single-cell workstation including a plurality of sub-stations. The plurality of sub-stations includes a weight application sub-station, and an audit balancing sub-station. The apparatus also includes a tire/wheel transporting device positioned within reach of all of the plurality of sub-stations. A method is also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/332,869 filed on May 10, 2010 and also is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/236,162filed Sep. 23, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/976,964 filed on Oct. 2, 2007, and 61/054,988filed on May 21, 2008, the contents of which are fully incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to tire-wheel assemblies and to a system andmethod for assembling a tire and a wheel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

It is known in the art to assemble a tire and a wheel in several steps.Usually, conventional methodologies that conduct such steps require asignificant capital investment and human oversight. The presentinvention overcomes drawbacks associated with the prior art by settingforth a simple system and method for assembling a tire and a wheeltogether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a single-cell workstation forassembling a tire and a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the invention;

FIGS. 2A-J illustrate environmental views of a single-cell workstationfor assembling a tire and a wheel in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded perspective view of a claw portion ofthe single-cell workstation of FIGS. 2A-2J in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates an assembled perspective view of the claw portion ofFIG. 3A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3C-3E illustrate top views of the claw portion of FIG. 3B inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate side views of a tire mounting sub-station inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4E-4H illustrate side views of a tire mounting sub-station inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-5R illustrate side views of an inflating sub-station inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrates an apparatus method for processing a tire-wheelassembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrates an apparatus and method for processing atire-wheel assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrates an apparatus and method for processing atire-wheel assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an apparatus and method for processing a tire-wheelassembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an apparatus and method for processing a tire-wheelassembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a plan view of an apparatus and method forprocessing a tire-wheel assembly in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus and method ofFIG. 6 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a plan view of a single cell system including aplurality of single cell stations each performing a plurality of tasksfor processing a wheel, tire and tire-wheel assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus andmethod for assembling a tire and wheel in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. Based on the foregoing, it is to be generallyunderstood that the nomenclature used herein is simply for convenienceand the terms used to describe the invention should be given thebroadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In an embodiment, the systems shown at FIGS. 1 and 2A-2J may be referredto as “single-cell” workstations 100, 200. In the forgoing disclosure,it will be appreciated that term “single-cell” indicates that theworkstation 100, 200 produces a tire-wheel assembly, TW, withoutrequiring a plurality of successive, discrete workstations that mayotherwise be arranged in a conventional assembly line such that apartially-assembled tire-wheel assembly is “handed-off” along theassembly line (i.e., “handed-off” meaning that an assembly line requiresa partially-assembled tire-wheel assembly to be retained by a firstworkstation of an assembly line, worked on, and released to a subsequentworkstation in the assembly line for further processing).

Rather, the single cell workstation 100, 200 provides one workstationhaving a plurality of subs-stations 104 a-104 g, each performing aspecific task in the process of assembling a tire and a wheel, TW. Thisassembling process takes place wherein the tire and/or wheel“handing-off” is either minimized or completely eliminated. As such, thenovel single-cell workstation 100, 200 significantly reduces the costand investment associated with owning/renting the real estate footprintassociated with a conventional tire-wheel assembly line while alsohaving to provide maintenance for each individual workstation definingthe assembly line. Thus, capital investment and human oversight issignificantly reduced when a single cell workstation 100, 200 isemployed in the manufacture of tire-wheel assemblies, TW.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system for assembling a tire and a wheel, TW, isshown generally at 100 according to an embodiment. The system 100includes a device 102. In operation, the device receives and retains awheel, W, which eventually comprises part of a tire-wheel assembly, TW.The ability of the device 102 to retain the wheel, W, throughout aportion of or the entire assembling process minimizes or eliminates theneed to “hand-off” a partially assembled tire-wheel assembly to asubsequent workstation.

In operation, the device 102 is initialized to start the assemblyoperation at a first sub-station 104 a where the device 102 receives andretains a wheel, W, thereto. The sub-station 104 a is hereinafterreferred to as a wheel repository sub-station.

The wheel, W, may be advanced toward the device 102 from a conveyorbelt, C1, or alternatively, the device 102 may retrieve the wheel, W,from a bin, hopper, or the like (not shown).

As seen in FIG. 1, the device 102 may include a claw 106, gripper, orother means for securing the wheel, W. In an embodiment, throughout twoor more assembly steps, the device 102 does not release the wheel, W,from the claw 106 until the tire-wheel assembly, TW, has been processedby two or more sub-stations 04 a-104 g. This approach minimizes oreliminates handing-off the tire-wheel assembly, TW, to subsequentworkstations in the manufacturing process.

An embodiment for assembling a tire and a wheel, TW, with thesingle-cell workstation 100 is not provided in the foregoingdescription. Once the device 102 secures the wheel, W, thereto at wheelrepository sub-station 104 a, the device 102 is then advanced from thewheel repository sub-station 104 a to a stemming sub-station 104 b. Atthe stemming sub-station 104 b, a valve stem, V, is retrieved from abin, hopper, H, or the like and is inserted through a hole or passageformed in the wheel, W. The stemming sub-station 104 b may include astemming apparatus (not shown) that retrieves the valve stem, V, fromthe hopper, H, for subsequent insertion of the valve stem, V, throughthe hole or passage in the wheel, W.

Once the valve stem, V, is secured to the wheel, W, at sub-station 104b, the device 102, which includes the wheel, W, with the valve stem, V,attached thereto, is then advanced to a tire repository and mountingsub-station 104 c. At the tire repository and mounting sub-station 104c, a tire, T, is retrieved from a repository including a conveyor belt,C2, bin, hopper, or the like. The tire, T, is then provided or otherwisejoined about the circumference of the wheel, W, at the repository andmounting sub-station 104 c. If desired, the tire repository and mountingsub-station 104 c may include a device, such as, for example, rollers,that urge the tire, T, onto the wheel, W. Alternatively, the device 102may urge the wheel, W, onto the tire, T. Specific aspects of theinvention associated with the mounting of the tire, T, to the wheel, W,is shown and described in FIGS. 4A-4H.

Once the tire, T, is mounted to the wheel, W, at tire repository andmounting sub-station 104 c, the device 102 is then advanced to amatch-marking sub-station 104 d. At the match-marking sub-station, 104d, the high point of radial force variation of the tire, T, and the lowpoint of the radial run-out of the wheel, W, are located andrespectively marked. The marks may be temporary or permanent. Then, themarking on each of the tire, T, and wheel, W, are angularly offset fromone-another by approximately 180° to minimize force variations and/orimbalance of the tire-wheel assembly, TW.

Once the tire, T, and wheel, W, are match-marked at sub-station 104 d,the device 102 is then advanced to an inflation sub-station 104 e. Atthe inflation sub-station 104 e, in an embodiment, a source of highpressure fluid, F, is provided for communication with the valve stem, V,mounted in the wheel, W. Once in communication with the valve stem, V,fluid from the source of high pressure fluid, F, flows through the valvestem, V, so as to inflate the tire, T, that is joined to the wheel, W.Although it is described above that inflation of the tire-wheelassembly, TW, is provided by way of the valve stem, V, it will beappreciated that the tire-wheel assembly, TW, may be inflated in anothermanner. In an embodiment, specific aspects of the invention associatedwith the inflating of the tire-wheel assembly, TW, is shown anddescribed, for example, in FIGS. 5A-5R.

Once inflated, as desired, at the inflation sub-station 104 e, thedevice 102 is advanced to a bead seating sub-station 104 f. At the beadseating sub-station 104 f, the beads of the tire, T, are positivelyseated against respective bead seats (not shown) of the wheel, W, suchthat air bubbles, contaminates, and the like that may be disposed ortrapped between the tire bead and the bead seat are removed therefrom.

After the tire beads are seated in the wheel bead seats at the beatseating sub-station 104 f, the device 102 is advanced to a balancingsub-station 104 g. At the balancing sub-station 104 g, the tire-wheelassembly, TW, is statically or dynamically balanced by applyingcorrection weights, B, to the outer and inner flange of the wheel, W, toreduce the imbalance effect of the tire-wheel assembly, TW.

Although the single-cell workstation 100 is shown to includesub-stations 104 a-104 g, it will be appreciated that the arrangementand number of sub-sub-stations 104 a-104 g are not limited to that asshown in the illustrated embodiment. For example, it will be appreciatedthat the inflating sub-station 104 e may precede the match-markingsub-station 104 d.

Further, it will be appreciated that the single-cell workstation 100 mayinclude fewer sub-stations 104 a-104 g than those that are shown in theillustrated embodiment. For example, the stemming sub-station 104 b maybe eliminated such that the wheel repository sub-station 104 a mayinclude wheels, W, that are already pre-stemmed.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2J, a single-cell workstation for assembling atire and a wheel, TW, is shown generally at 200 according to anembodiment. The single-cell workstation 200 includes a device 202 thatcooperates with a plurality of sub-stations 204 a-204 f that eachperform a specific task in the process of assembling a tire and a wheel,TW.

As seen in FIG. 2A, the device 202 in the single-cell workstation 200may include a robotic arm 202 that is located in a substantially centralposition relative the plurality of sub-stations 204 a-204 f arranged ona real estate footprint. In FIG. 2A, the robotic arm 202 is shown in anat-rest, idle position. The robotic arm 202 may include, for example, abase portion 206, a body portion 208 connected to the base portion 206,an arm portion 210 connected to the body portion 208 and a claw portion212 connected to the arm portion 210.

The body portion 208 is rotatably-connected to the base portion 206 suchthat the body portion 208 may be pivoted 360° relative the base portion206. Further, the body portion 208 may be generally hinged to the baseportion 206 having, for example, hinged, scissor-style arms such thatthe body portion 208 may be articulated vertically upward or downwardrelative the base portion 206.

The arm portion 210 is connected to the body portion 208 such that thearm portion 210 may be articulated in any desirable upward or downwardposition relative the body portion 208. Similar to the rotatableconnection of the base portion 206 and body portion 208, the clawportion 212 may be rotatably-connected to the arm portion 210 such thatthe claw portion 212 may be pivoted 360° relative the arm portion 210.Movements of the portions 208-212 may be controlled manually with ajoystick (not shown), or, alternatively, automatically by way of logicstored on a controller having a processor (not shown).

In the following description, it will be appreciated that prescribedmovements of the body portion 208 relative the base portion 206 may haveoccurred before, during or after a described movement of the arm portion210 and/or claw portion 212. For example, the body portion 208 may havebeen rotated, articulated or the like in order to locate the arm andclaw portions 210, 212 in a desired position at or proximate aparticular sub-station 204 a-204 e.

Still referring to FIG. 2A, a plurality of wheels, W, are shown disposedat a wheel repository sub-station 204 a. According to an embodiment, thewheel repository sub-station 204 a is illustrated to include, forexample, a rack 214; however, it will be appreciated that the wheelrepository sub-station 204 a may include an endless conveyor or thelike.

Further, as seen in FIG. 2A, a plurality of tires, T, are shown at atire repository sub-station 204 b. According to an embodiment, the tirerepository sub-station 204 b includes a rack 216 and conveyor device218. However, it will be appreciated that the wheel repositorysub-station 204 b may include an endless conveyor or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, the arm portion 210 has been articulated suchthat the claw portion 212 is moved from the idle position proximate thewheel repository sub-station 204 a. As shown in FIG. 2B, a wheel, W, hasbeen advanced to a loading position near a terminal end of the rack 214proximate claw portion 212 that has been articulated to awheel-receiving positioning. Advancement of the wheel, W, to theterminal end of the rack 214 may be provided by a conveyor, or,alternatively, by gravity, if, for example, the rack 214 is positionedon a downward incline. Further, it will be appreciated that if the wheelrepository sub-station 204 a includes a bin (not shown) or the likerather than a rack 214, no advancement of a wheel, W, is provided andthe claw portion 212 may locate and be subsequently positioned proximatea wheel, W, that is located within the bin.

Still referring to FIG. 2B, the claw portion 212 is shown to bepositioned proximate the wheel, W, such that the wheel, W, may besecured to the claw portion 212. In an embodiment, the claw portion 212is interfaced with the wheel, W, by engaging an inner diameter, D_(IW)(FIGS. 3C-3E), of the wheel, W. However, it will be appreciated that theinterfacing of the claw portion 212 and wheel, W, may be conducted inany desirable manner and is not limited to the engagement of an innerdiameter, D_(IW), of the wheel, W.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3E, the claw portion 212 is shown anddescribed according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, as seen in FIG.3A, the claw portion 212 includes a fixed portion 302, a rotatableportion 304, wheel engaging portions 306, sliding portions 308 and anactuator portion 310.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the slidable portions 308 areslidably-disposed in radial channels 312 formed in the fixed portion302. An axial post 314 extending from each of the slidable portions 308extends through the radial channels 312 and arcuate channels 316 thatare formed in the rotatable portion 304. The axial posts 314 also extendthrough an opening 318 formed in each of the wheel engaging portions306.

A central axial post 320 extends from the rotatable portion 304 andthrough a central axial opening 322 formed in the fixed portion 302.Upon passing through the central axial opening 322, the central axialpost 320 is fixed to a key passage 324 formed by and extending from theactuator portion 310. Once assembled, axial portions 326 of the engagingportions 306 are slidably-disposed in radial guides 328 of the fixedportion 302 such that the engagement portions 306 are moveable in aninward/outward radial direction.

Referring to FIGS. 3C-3E, an embodiment of operating the claw portion212 is disclosed. In general, inward and outward radial movement of theaxial portions 326 is dependent upon the state of the actuator 310.

As see in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the actuator 310 is in a deactuated statesuch that the axial portions 326 are in a radially-retracted position.The radially-retracted position is shown to be defined by a radialdistance, r₁, of the axial portions 326 from a central axis extendingthrough the central axial post 320.

When the actuator 310 is actuated, as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, theresult is rotatable, clockwise movement, C_(WISE), of the central axialpost 320 due to the fact that the central axial post is fixed or keyedto the key passage 324. The rotatable, clockwise movement, C_(WISE), ofthe central axial post 320 translates into clockwise movement, C_(WISE),of the rotatable portion 304 a, which translates into clockwisemovement, C_(WISE), of the axial posts 314 disposed in the arcuatechannels 316, which translates into radial-outward movement of theslidable portions 308 disposed in the radial channels 312 and radialoutward movement of axial portions 326 disposed in the radial guides328.

As seen in FIGS. 3D and 3E, radially-outward positioning of the axialportions 326 is shown to be defined by progressively-increased radialdistances, r₂, r₃, that are greater than the radial distance, r₁. Whenthe axial portions 326 are advanced to the maximum radial distance, r₃,the axial portions 326 radially engage an inner diameter, D_(IW), of thewheel, W, to secure the wheel, W, to the claw portion 212.

Referring back to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in an embodiment, the claw portion212 may also include a detachable portion shown generally at 330. Thedetachable portion 330 generally includes a plate 332 and a center-pullarm 334 that extends substantially perpendicularly from the plate 332.The plate 332 includes a recess 336 for receiving a coupling portion 338extending from the rotatable portion 304.

As illustrated, the coupling portion 338 is centrally located on therotatably portion 304 such that the axis extending through the centralaxis post 320 also extends through the coupling portion 338. Althoughshown in a generic illustration, the coupling portion 338 and plate 332may be joined mechanically, pneumatically, or the like at the recess336. The function and purpose for detaching the detachable portion 330from the rotatable portion 304 is explained in greater detail at FIGS.2E and 5A-5R.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, once the wheel, W, has been secured to theclaw portion 212, the body portion 208 and arm portion 210 are orientedsuch that the claw portion 212 locates the wheel, W, proximate alubricating sub-station 204 c. According to an embodiment, thelubricating sub-station 204 c may include a tray 220 for retaining alubricant (not shown), such as, for example, soapy-water, grease, or thelike.

In an embodiment, the arm portion 210 may be orientated such that aportion of the circumference of the wheel, W, is submerged in the tray220 containing the lubricant. Once submerged as desired, the clawportion 212 may be rotated, as desired, relative the arm portion 210between approximately 0° and 360° such that at least a substantialportion of the circumference of the wheel, W, has been lubricated. In anembodiment, approximately half of the wheel, W, is submerged in thelubricant and the wheel, W, is rotated 180° to lubricate thenon-submerged portion of the wheel, W.

In another embodiment, the tray 220 may include lubricating rollers (notshown) having a lubricant disposed thereon that are moved 360° about thecircumference of the wheel, W, such that the claw portion 212 remains ina fixed position and does not rotate relative the arm portion 210 duringa lubricating operation. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the armportion 210 may be oriented such that the entire wheel, W, is submergedin the lubricant.

Referring now to FIG. 2D, the body portion 208 and arm portion 210 areorientated such that the claw portion 212 locates the lubricated wheel,W, proximate a tire mounting sub-station 204 d. As illustrated, theconveyor device 218 advances a tire, T, to the tire mounting sub-station204 d such that the tire, T, may be mounted to the wheel, W, to form anon-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW. It will be appreciated thatbefore, during and after the tire, T, is mounted to the wheel, W, toform the non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, the claw portion 212remains engaged with the wheel, W.

In an embodiment, the tire mounting sub-station 204 d may be referred toas either a helical mounting sub-station or a precessional mountingsub-station for reasons set forth in the foregoing disclosure. Referringto FIG. 4A, the wheel, W, is shown fixed to the claw portion 212 and thearm portion is shown generally at 210. Shown between the claw portion212 and arm portion 210 is a rotating actuator 402 and spindle 404. Thespindle 404 permits rotational movement of the claw portion 212 relativethe arm portion 210.

The arm portion 210 may be coupled to a linear actuator (not shown) suchthat linear actuator is capable of moving the claw portion 212 andwheel, W, along a first plunging axis, B. The rotating actuator 402 isoriented with respect to arm portion 210 such that the axis of rotationof rotating actuator 402 is represented by axis, A. Rotation of theactuator 402 translates into a similar rotational movement of the wheel,W, and claw portion 212 about the axis, A. The rotating actuator 402 canalso be an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or other type of rotatingactuator and is adapted to rotate wheel, W, about axis, A.

The tire, T, is shown to include a first tire bead, T_(B1), and a secondtire bead, T_(B2). Beads T_(B1), T_(B2) are typically separated by agap, T_(G). At least one bead compression mechanism 406 is locatedproximate a sidewall portion of tire, T. In the embodiment, two beadcompression mechanisms 406, 408 are included; however, it iscontemplated within the scope of this invention that one or more beadcompression mechanisms may be used.

Bead compression mechanism 406, 408 includes a respectively associatedcompression actuator 410, 412 which is, in turn, is coupled to itsrespectively-associated top pinching fingers 414, 416 and bottompinching fingers 418, 420.

Now referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in order to mount wheel, W, to tire,T, the wheel, W, is rotated about axis, A. Also, at least one beadcompression mechanism 406, 408 is activated, thereby pressing togetherat least a portion of the bead T_(B1), T_(B2) of wheel, W, such that atleast a portion of gap, T_(G), is diminished (see, e.g., T_(G)′, in FIG.4B), over that of its relaxed state (the relaxed state of which is shownat, T_(G), in FIG. 4A).

Now referring to FIG. 4A-4C, the arm portion 210 is moved/plungedlinearly, L (see, e.g., FIG. 4C), along axis, B, thereby causing atleast a portion, W_(S2P) (see, e.g., FIG. 4C), of a second bead seat,W_(S2), of the wheel, W, to pass through an opening, T_(O), formed byfirst and second bead T_(B1), T_(B2) of the tire, T.

Next, as seen in FIG. 4D, linear movement, L, continues along axis, B,such that the entire second bead seat, W_(S2), of wheel, W, passesthrough the opening, T_(O). Once the wheel, W, has assumed the positionshown in FIG. 4D, actuators 410, 412 are released such that annon-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, is formed and retained to the clawportion 212 for transport to the next stage of operation, being tireinflation.

Now referring to FIG. 4E, in a second embodiment, the tire beads T_(B1),T_(B2) are not pinched together by a bead compression mechanism. Rather,the beads T_(B1), T_(B2) of tire, T, are left in their relaxed, residualstate.

As seen in FIG. 4F, the arm portion 210 is moved linearly, L, alongaxis, B, while, simultaneously, the claw portion 212 precessionallyrotates, R, the wheel, W, about axis, B, while the wheel, W, is beingrotated about the axis, A. As the second bead seat, W_(S2), of thewheel, W, is brought into contact with the first tire bead, T_(B1), ofthe tire, T, a portion, W_(S2P), of second bead seat, W_(S2), will passthrough the upper opening, T_(O)′, formed by the first bead, T_(B1), ofthe tire, T. Next, as shown in FIG. 4G, as the arm portion 210 continuesits linear motion, L, the second bead seat, W_(B2), of the wheel, W,will completely pass through the upper opening, T_(O)′ (see, e.g., FIG.4E), formed by first bead, T_(B1).

Next, as seen in FIG. 4H, as the arm portion 210 is still further urgedalong axis, B, the second bead seat, W_(S2), of the wheel, W, will passthrough the lower opening, T_(O)″, formed by the second bead, T_(B2), ofthe tire, T. Once the wheel, W, has assumed the position shown in FIG.4H, a non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, is formed and retained tothe claw portion 212 for transport to the next stage of operation, beingtire inflation.

Although FIGS. 4A-4H generally shows that tire, T, is concentric withaxis, B, nothing herein shall limit the orientation of tire, T, relativeto axis, B, in this way. It is contemplated that other orientationsbetween axis, B, and the center of tire, T, will work equally well.Further, the rotational axis, A, may, in an embodiment, be co-axial withplunger axis, B. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotationalaxis, A, is angularly oriented with respect to axis, B, as depicted byangle, θ.

Yet even further, if the rotational axis, A, is fixed about the plungingaxis, B, the mounting sub-station 204 d is referred to as a helicalmounting sub-station; as such, the angle, θ, is referred to as a helicalangle of approach. Alternatively, if the arm portion 210 rotates aboutthe axis, B, the rotational axis, A, would pivot about the plungingaxis, B, at the point of intersection of the axes A and B; as such themounting sub-station 204 d would be referred to as a precessionalmounting sub-station 204 d. Thus, the angle, θ, would be referred to asa precessional angle of approach.

It will be appreciated that in the helical mounting sub-stationembodiment, the rotational movement of the wheel, W, about therotational axis, A, may be compounded with a plunging movement about theplunging axis, B. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that in theprecessional mounting sub-station 204 e embodiment, the plungingmovement about the axis, B, may or may not be compounded with therotational movement about the axis, A. For example, if the plungingmovement about the axis, B, is not included, the precessional movementof the wheel, W, about the tire, T, will result in the tire, T, beingself-threaded onto the wheel, W, upon the wheel, W, contacting the tire,T. If, however, the precessional movement of the wheel, W, is alsocompounded with plunging movement about the axis, B, the wheel, W, isplunged onto the tire, T, while the tire, T, also self-threads onto thewheel, W.

Referring now to FIG. 2E, the body portion 208 and arm portion 210 areorientated such that the claw portion 212 locates the non-inflatedtire-wheel assembly, TW, proximate an inflating sub-station 204 e. Asseen in FIG. 5A, once the arm portion 210 has located the non-inflatedtire-wheel assembly, TW, proximate the inflating sub-station 204 e, theinflating sub-station 204 e moves toward the tire-wheel assembly, TW,generally in the direction of the arrow, D.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, movement of the inflating sub-station 204e in the direction of the arrow, D, eventually results in thecenter-pull arm 334 of the detachable portion 330 being axially insertedinto a locking device 502 of the inflating sub-station 204 e.Subsequently, one or more keys 504 of the locking device 502 is/aremoved radially inwardly according to the direction of arrow, K, forradial engagement with the center-pull arm 334.

Referring to FIG. 5C, once the one or more keys 504 has radially engagedthe center-pull arm 334, the axial portions 326 of the claw portion 212radially disengage the inner diameter, D_(IW), of the wheel, W, torelease the wheel, W, from the arm portion 210 and claw portion 212.Then, subsequent to or coincident with the release of the wheel, W, fromthe claw portion 212, the coupling portion 338 and plate 332 areseparated to thereby cause the detachable portion 330 to retain thenon-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, to the inflating sub-station 204e.

Still referring to FIG. 5C, with the center pull arm 334 secured to thelocking device 502, an adjustment pin 506 draws (according to thedirection according to the arrow, D′) an upper surface 508 of thelocking device 502 toward an inboard surface 510 of a carrier plate 512to thereby reduce a spacing, S, between the upper surface 508 and theinboard surface 510. By reducing the spacing, S, a flip seal 514 of theinflating sub-station 204 e is moved as follows.

As shown in FIGS. 5I-5N, the reduced and subsequent increase of thespacing, S, results in a change of orientation of the flip seal 514relative the wheel, W. In general, the flip seal 514 is retained by acarrier 516.

The carrier 516 generally includes a shroud portion 518 that defines anouter periphery 520 of the carrier 516 and an inner periphery 522 of thecarrier 516. According to an embodiment, the flip seal 514 is positionedabout the inner periphery 522 of the carrier 516 and abuts an innerperiphery surface 524 of a radial portion 526 and an inner peripherysurface 528 of a rim portion 530. Once the flip seal 514 is locatedagainst the carrier 516 as described above, a retainer 532 abuts andsandwiches the flip seal 514 with the radial portion 526 of the carrier516 with an end portion 534 of the retainer 532 abutting the innerperiphery surface 528 of the rim portion 530.

One or more inflators 536 may be inserted through one or more respectivepassages 538 formed in the carrier plate 512 and one or more passages,which are shown generally at 540. As illustrated, passages are formed,respectively, in axial alignment, in each of the flip seal 514, carrier516, and retainer 532 to define the one or more passages 540.

Referring now to FIGS. 5C-5N, a method for inflating the tire-wheelassembly, TW, using the one or more inflators 536 is described accordingto an embodiment. First, as shown in FIGS. 5C, 5D and 5I, 5J, thespacing, S, is further reduced such that the an inboard side 546, andsubsequently, an inner periphery side portion 548 of the flip seal 514slides over an outboard corner, W₂, of the wheel bead seat, W_(S1),which then causes, as shown in FIG. 5J, the inboard side 546 of the flipseal 514 to engage a portion of a circumferential perimeter, W₃, f thewheel bead seat, W_(S1). Accordingly, in this orientation, a flexibleinner periphery 550 of the flip seal 514 is “flipped” to move the flipseal 514 to a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional position oforientation (according to the view of FIG. 5J). Concurrently, thecircumferential end 544 of the rim portion 530 causes the first tirebead, T_(B1), to move away from the first wheel bead seat, W_(B1), toprovide the open air passageway 552 therebetween.

Once the flexible inner periphery 550 of the flip seal 514 is advancedpast the circumferential perimeter, W₃, of the first wheel bead seat,W_(S1), in the direction of the arrow, D, the flip seal 514 isresiliently moved from the “flipped” position of FIG. 5J to an at-restposition, as shown in FIGS. 5E and 5K. As shown in FIG. 5F, pressurizedfluid, P, is fed through the one or more hoses 554 and out of one ormore nozzles 556 of the one or more inflators 536 to commence aquick-inflating technique for inflating the tire, T, through the openair passageway 552 provided by the positioning of the circumferentialend 544 of the rim portion 530 against the tire, T. It will beappreciated that the pressurized fluid, P, may be fed through the one ormore hoses 554 before, during, or after the positioning of the flip seal514 relative the tire-wheel assembly, TW, shown in FIG. 5K (i.e.pressurized fluid, P, may be fed through the one or more hoses 554 atany time as shown in FIGS. 5I and 5J). It will be appreciated that thepressurized fluid, P, may include any desirable fluid, such as, forexample, air, nitrogen, or the like.

As seen in FIG. 5K, once the flexible inner periphery 550 of the flipseal 514 is advanced past the circumferential perimeter, W₃, of thewheel bead seat, W_(S1), as described above, the spacing, S, may beincreased to move the inflators 536 and flip seal 514 in a directionaccording to the arrow, D′, that is opposite the direction of the arrow,D. Accordingly, as seen in FIGS. 5F and 5L, as the flip seal 514 isadvanced toward the circumferential perimeter, W₃, of the first wheelbead seat, W_(S1), in the direction of the arrow, D′, an outboard side558 of the flip seal 514 engages an inboard surface, W₄, of the firstwheel bead seat, W_(S1). It will be appreciated that the tire, T, israpidly and substantially inflated when the flip seal 514 is positionedin the orientation as shown in FIG. 5L due to the fact that the flipseal 514 seals the tire-wheel assembly, TW, from ambient air pressure,AP. Depending on the number of inflators 536 utilized, it may take aslittle as approximately 1 to 5 seconds to pressurize the tire, T, withthe pressurized fluid, P.

Then, as seen in FIGS. 5G and 5M, as the spacing, S, continues to beincreased, the one or more inflators 536 and flip seal 514 move in thedirection of the arrow, D′, such that the outboard side 558 of the flipseal 514 slides over an inboard corner, W₅, of the first wheel beadseat, W_(S1), which then causes the outboard side 558 of the flip seal514 to engage a portion of the circumferential perimeter, W₃, of thefirst wheel bead seat, W_(S1). Accordingly, in this orientation, theflexible inner periphery 550 of the flip seal 514 is forced into asubstantially inverted L-shaped cross-sectional position of orientation(according to the view of FIG. 5M). The lowered position of flip seal514 in FIG. 5M is substantially the opposite of the raised position ofthe flip seal 514 as shown in FIG. 5J. Concurrently, with the assistanceof the pressurized fluid, P, in a circumferential cavity, C, of thetire, T, the circumferential end 544 of the rim portion 530 is movedaway from the first tire bead, T_(B1), so as to allow the pressurizedfluid, P, in the circumferential cavity, C, of the tire, T, to close offthe open air passageway 552 and cause the first tire bead, T_(B1), toseat itself in the wheel bead seat, W_(B1).

As the spacing, S, continues to be increased such that the one or moreinflators 536 and flip seal 514 move in the direction of the arrow, D′,the outboard side 558, and subsequently, the inner periphery sideportion 548 of the flip seal 514 slides over the outboard corner, W₂, ofthe wheel bead seat, W_(S1), which then causes, as shown in FIGS. 5H and5N, the flexible inner periphery 550 of the flip seal 514 to resilientlymove from the lowered position of FIG. 5M to an at-rest position similarto that as shown in FIG. 5I.

It will be appreciated that the supplying of the pressurized fluid, P,from the one or more nozzles 546 may be ceased before, during, or aftera time when the one or more inflators 536 and flip seal 514 arepositioned in a manner relative the tire-wheel assembly, TW, as shown inFIG. 5M. If pressurized fluid, P, is still being provided from the oneor more nozzles 556, the pressurized fluid, P, may be utilized alone,or, in combination with the change in spacing, S, to push the one ormore inflators 536 and flip seal 514 in the direction of the arrow, D′,and away from the tire-wheel assembly, TW, once the open air passageway552 is closed off as described above.

Referring now to FIG. 5O, once the inflating operation is completed suchthat the tire-wheel assembly, TW, is inflated, the arm portion 210locates the coupling portion 338 within the recess 336 of the plate 332such that the detachable portion 330 is reconnected to the rotatableportion 304.

Then, as seen in FIG. 5P, once detachable portion 330 and the rotatableportion 304 are reconnected, clamping portions 560 of the inflatingsub-station 204 e radially engage the tread surface of the tire, T,according to the direction of the arrow, C. Subsequent to or concurrentwith the clamping, C, of the tread surface of the tire, T, the one ormore keys 504 is/are moved radially outwardly in the direction of arrow,K′, and is/are radially disengaged with the center-pull arm 334.

Then, as seen in FIG. 5Q, once the one or more keys 504 is radiallydisengaged from the center-pull arm 334, the arm portion 210 and clawportion 212 are cycled away from the inflating sub-station 204 e in thedirection of arrow, D′, such that the arm portion 210 and claw portion212 are cycled to a position substantially similar to the at-rest, idleposition of FIG. 2A, ready for receiving a wheel, W, in a subsequentassembling operation.

Referring to FIG. 5R, once the arm portion 210 and claw portion 212 arecycled away from the inflating sub-station 204 e, according to thedirection of the arrow, D′, the clamping portions 560 shuttle theinflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, downward in the direction of thearrow, D′, to a finishing sub-station 204 f.

Referencing FIGS. 5R and 2F, the movement of the tire-wheel assembly,TW, relative the inflating sub-station 204 e to the finishingsub-station 204 f is generally a vertical movement. Once the inflatedtire-wheel assembly, TW, has been shuttled to the finishing sub-station204 f, the clamping portions 560 disengages the tread surface of thetire, T, such that the clamping portions 560 are returned verticallyupward to the inflating sub-station 204 e such that the clampingportions 560 are ready to receive another non-inflated tire-wheelassembly, TW, in a subsequent assembling operation.

Referring to FIG. 2F, once the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, isprovided at the finishing sub-station 204 f, the tire-wheel assembly,TW, is spun, S₁, to conduct a compliance test to match the compliance ofinflated tire, T, due to unique tread resistances of similarly moldedtires, T.

Then, as seen at FIG. 2G, a wobble wheel 222 is engaged with an axialend surface of the tire, T, to remove potentially trapped air bubbles,contaminates and the like that may be located between a tire bead of thetire, T, and a bead seat of the wheel, W. The removing of trapped airbubbles, contaminates and the like may be referred to as “bleeding” or“burping.”

Referring to FIG. 2H, the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, is spun byengaging a wobble wheel 224 with a radial, tread surface of the tire, T,to conduct a balancing test to determine the location and amount ofweight to be added to the rim of the wheel, W.

Then, as seen in FIG. 2I, a marking device 226 engages an axial endsurface of the tire, T, to provide a mark on the tire, T, to identifythe location of weight (not shown) to be added to the rim of the wheel,W. The mark provided on the axial end surface of the tire, T, mayinclude, for example a code, number, or the like that is related to anamount of weight to be added to the rim of the wheel, W, proximate themarked location.

As shown in FIG. 2J, once the tire, T, is marked as shown in FIG. 2J,the processed tire-wheel assembly, TW, is removed from the single-cellworkstation 200.

In an embodiment, the apparatus shown generally at 600 a, 600 b, 700 and800 in the Figures may be referred to as a “single-cell” workstation. Inthe forgoing disclosure, it will be appreciated that term “single-cell”indicates that the workstation 600 a, 600 b, 700 and 800 provides atire-wheel assembly without requiring a plurality of successive,discrete workstations that may otherwise be arranged in a conventionalassembly line. Rather, the single cell workstation 600 a, 600 b, 700 and800 provides one workstation having a plurality of subs-stations612-626, each performing a specific task in the processing of atire-wheel assembly. As such, the novel single-cell workstation 600 a,600 b, 700 and 800 significantly reduces the cost, investment andmaintenance associated with a conventional tire-wheel assembly linelocated on a relatively large real estate footprint. Thus, capitalinvestment and human oversight is significantly reduced when a singlecell workstation 600 a, 600 b, 700 and 800 is employed in the processingof tire-wheel assemblies.

Referring initially to FIGS. 11-12, a single-cell workstation forprocessing a tire-wheel assembly is shown generally at 600 a accordingto an embodiment. In an embodiment, the workstation 600 a includes adevice 650. In operation, the device 650 interfaces with a wheel, W, inorder to prepare a preliminarily balanced tire-wheel assembly, TW_(P).The ability of the device 650 to interface with the wheel, W, eliminatesthe need to “hand-off” one or more of a wheel, W, and tire, T, to asubsequent workstation of a plurality of workstations in a conventionalassembly line.

In an embodiment, the device 650 associated with the single-cellworkstation 600 a may include a robotic arm 652 that may be located in asubstantially central position relative a plurality of sub-stations. Inan embodiment shown at FIGS. 11-12, a plurality of sub-stations is showngenerally at 612-620.

In operation, a wheel, W, is removably-attached to the robotic arm 652.In an embodiment, the robotic arm 652 interfaces with the wheel, W,throughout some or all of the steps associated with the preparation ofthe preliminarily balanced tire-wheel assembly, TW_(P). In anembodiment, the robotic arm 652 may include, for example, a base portion654, a body portion 656 connected to the base portion 654, an armportion 658 connected to the body portion 656, and a claw portion 660connected to the arm portion 658.

In an embodiment, the body portion 656 is rotatably-connected to thebase portion 654 such that the body portion 656 may be pivoted 360°relative the base portion 654. Further, in an embodiment, the bodyportion 656 may be generally hinged to the base portion 654 having, forexample, hinged, scissor-style arms such that the body portion 656 maybe articulated vertically upward or downward relative the base portion654.

In an embodiment, the arm portion 658 may be connected to the bodyportion 656 such that the arm portion 658 may be articulated in anydesirable upward or downward position relative the body portion 656.Similar to the rotatable connection of the base portion 654 and bodyportion 656, the claw portion 660 may be rotatably-connected to the armportion 658 such that the claw portion 660 may be rotated, pivoted orotherwise spun 360° relative the arm portion 658; as will be describedin the foregoing disclosure as related to FIG. 10, the claw portion 660may be spun relative the arm portion 658 at a relatively high rate ofspeed in order to conduct a balancing operation of the wheel, W, andtire, T. In an embodiment, movement of the portions 654-660 may becontrolled manually with a joystick (not shown), or, alternatively,automatically by way of logic stored on a controller having a processor(not shown).

In the following description, it will be appreciated that prescribedmovements of the body portion 656 relative the base portion 654 may haveoccurred before, during or after movement of the arm portion 658 and/orclaw portion 660. For example, the body portion 656 may have beenrotated, articulated or the like in order to locate the arm and clawportions 658, 660 to a desired position at or proximate a particularsub-station.

Regarding the general movement of the device 650 relative thesub-stations 612-620, in an embodiment, the robotic arm 652 ismanipulated such that it 1) obtains a wheel, W, at a wheel repositorysub-station 612, 2) soaps the wheel, W, at a soaping sub-station 14, 3)mounts the wheel, W, to a tire, T, at a mounting/indexing sub-station 16to define a non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW_(NI), 4) locates thenon-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW_(NI), at an inflating sub-station618 for inflating the non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW_(NI), and 5)locates the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW_(I), at a preliminarybalancing sub-station 620 for preliminarily balancing the inflatedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(I), to define a preliminarily balancedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(P).

After being preliminarily balanced, the preliminarily balancedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(P), is located on a conveyor or similarmechanism, which is shown generally at C1. In an embodiment, theconveyor, C1, may extend from, or, alternatively be located proximatethe preliminary balancing sub-station 620. As illustrated, more than oneconveyor, C1, may be included to permit receipt of rapidly mass producedpreliminarily balanced tire-wheel assemblies, TW_(P).

Referring now to FIG. 6A, a single-cell workstation for processing atire-wheel assembly, is shown generally at 600 b according to anembodiment. In an embodiment, the single-cell workstation 600 b includesa device, which is shown generally at 650 a. The device 650 a may besubstantially similar to the device 650 shown and described in FIGS.11-12.

Initially, the device 650 a retrieves the preliminarily balancedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(P), from the conveyor, C1. According to anembodiment, the device 650 a may move from an at-rest position towardthe conveyor, C1, generally in the direction of arrow, D1, in order toretrieve the preliminarily balanced tire-wheel assembly, TW_(P). Then,as seen in FIG. 6B, the device 650 a retrieves and moves thepreliminarily balanced tire-wheel assembly, TW_(P), to a weightapplicator sub-station 622 according to the direction of arrow, D2.

In an embodiment, one or more of the device 650 a and weight applicatorsub-station 622 may determine, or, alternatively, be provided withweight application information for the preliminarily balanced tire-wheelassembly, TW_(P). In an embodiment, the weight application informationmay be communicated wirelessly, or, alternatively, over a hard-wireconnection from the preliminary balancing sub-station 620 to one or moreof the device 650 a and weight application sub-station 622. In anembodiment, rather than communicating the weight applicationinformation, the weight application information may be printed on thepreliminarily balanced tire-wheel assembly, TW_(P). In an embodiment,the information may be printed on the preliminarily balanced tire-wheelassembly, TW_(P), in the form of a bar code that is read by one or moreof the device 650 a and weight application sub-station 622.

In an embodiment, the weight application information may include a valueof weight that is to be added to the preliminarily balanced tire-wheelassembly, TW_(P). In an embodiment, the weight application informationmay also include the location on the preliminarily balanced tire-wheelassembly, TW_(P), where the value of the weight is to be applied. In anembodiment, the weight may be applied to the preliminarily balancedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(P), at any desirable location including, forexample, a rim of the wheel, W. In an embodiment, the weight may beclipped to, or, alternatively, adhered to the wheel, W.

As such, when the device 650 a moves the preliminarily balancedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(P), from the conveyor, C1, to the weightapplicator sub-station 622, the provided or determined weightapplication information may correlate to one or more unique weights thatmay be retrieved from one or more of a plurality of bins 622 a-622 nlocated at the weight applicator sub-station 622. In an embodiment, eachof the bins 622 a-622 n may each contain a plurality of weights. In anembodiment, each bin 622 a-622 n includes a plurality of weights havinga similar value; accordingly, in an embodiment, bin 622 a may include aplurality of ⅛ ounce weights, bin 622 b may include a plurality of ¼ounce weights, bin 622 c may include a plurality of ½ ounce weights,etc. In an embodiment the weights may include one or more of a clip andadhesive for attachment to, for example, the wheel, W.

It will be appreciated, however, that the weight applicator sub-station622 is not limited to include a plurality of bins 622 a-622 n nor aplurality of weights having different values. In an embodiment, forexample, the weight applicator sub-station 622 may include a device thatmanufactures a weight to a specific value that is provided from theweight application information. For example, in an embodiment, theweight applicator sub-station 622 may include a plurality of weightedslugs having a value of x-ounces; then, upon learning the weightapplication information, a portion of one of the weighted slugs may becut, fractured, or otherwise separated to define a slug shard having aweight value that is called for by the weight application information.In an embodiment, the slug shard may include one or more of a clip andadhesive for attachment to, for example, the wheel, W.

Referring to FIG. 6C, once the one or more weights are retrieved fromthe one or more bins 622 a-622 n and applied to the preliminarilybalanced tire-wheel assembly, TW_(P), the preliminarily balancedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(P), may be referred to as a weighted tire-wheelassembly, TW_(W). The device 650 a then moves the weighted tire-wheelassembly, TW_(W), to an audit balancing sub-station 624 according to thedirection of the arrow, D3. Once received at the audit balancingsub-station 624, the audit balancing sub-station 624 determines if theone or more weights applied to the preliminarily balanced tire-wheelassembly, TW_(P), at the weight applicator sub-station 622 has correctedthe imbalance of the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW_(I), as determinedby the preliminary balancing sub-station 620.

As seen in FIG. 6D, the device 650 a may be returned to a positionproximate the conveyor, C1, according to the direction of arrow, D4, inorder to move another preliminarily balanced tire-wheel assembly,TW_(P), to the weight applicator sub-station 622. As seen in FIG. 6E,during or after the movement of the device 650 a in the direction ofarrow, D4, the weighted tire-wheel assembly, TW_(W), located at theaudit balancing sub-station 624 may be discharged onto a dischargingdevice, conveyor, or the like, which is shown generally at C2, formovement in the direction according to arrow, D5.

It will be appreciated that the weighted tire-wheel assembly, TW_(W),may be discharged in the direction of arrow, D5, from the auditbalancing sub-station 624 if the audit balancing sub-station 624 hasdetermined that the one or more weights applied to the preliminarilybalanced tire-wheel assembly, TW_(P), at the weight applicatorsub-station 622 resulted in the cancellation of any imbalance to theinflated tire-wheel assembly, TW_(I). Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 7A,if, for example, the audit balancing sub-station 624 has determined thatthe weighted tire-wheel assembly, TW_(W), remains imbalanced, the device650 a may retrieve the weighted tire-wheel assembly, TW_(W), from theaudit balancing sub-station 624 for movement of the weighted tire-wheelassembly, TW_(W), from the audit balancing sub-station 624 back to theweight applicator sub-station 622 according to the direction of arrow,D4′.

If, for example, the device 650 a moves the weighted tire-wheelassembly, TW_(W), according to the direction of arrow, D4′, the auditbalancing sub-station 624 may provide supplemental weight applicationinformation (e.g., wirelessly and/or hardwired as similarly describedabove) to, for example, the device 650 a/weight applicator sub-station622, or, alternatively, the audit balancing sub-station 624 may printthe supplemental weight application information on the weightedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(W), for further use by the device 650 a orweight applicator sub-station 622.

Upon placement of one or more supplemental weights upon the weightedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(W), at the weight applicator sub-station 622,the weighted tire-wheel assembly, TW_(W), may be hereinafter referred toas a supplementally weighted tire-wheel assembly, TW_(SW). Referring toFIG. 7B, the device 650 a then moves the supplementally weightedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(SW), from the weight applicator sub-station 622to audit balancing sub-station 624 in the direction according to arrow,D3′. The audit balancing sub-station 624 then re-processes thesupplementally weighted tire-wheel assembly, TW_(SW), and, if the auditbalancing sub-station 624 determines that the one or more weightsapplied to the supplementally balanced tire-wheel assembly, TW_(SW),resulted in the cancellation of any imbalance to the weighted tire-wheelassembly, TW_(W), the supplementally balanced tire-wheel assembly,TW_(SW), may be discharged according to the direction of arrow, D5.

It will be appreciated, however, that after adding one or moresupplemental weights to the weighted tire-wheel assembly, TW_(W), animbalance may yet still persist. Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 8A-8B,the above described movements in the directions of arrows D4′ (see,e.g., FIG. 8A) and D3′ (see, e.g., FIG. 8B) are conducted. Then, as seenin FIG. 8C, upon learning of the persistent imbalance at the auditbalancing sub-station 624, the supplementally weighted tire-wheelassembly, TW_(SW), may be discharged according to the direction ofarrow, D5′, to a rework sub-station 626. In an embodiment, the movementof the supplementally weighted tire-wheel assembly, TW_(SW), in thedirection of arrow, D5′, may be conducted automatically by the device650 a, or, alternatively, manually by an operator, O. As seen in FIG.8D, the persistently imbalanced tire-wheel assembly, TW_(SW), is movedby or from the rework sub-station 626 in the direction according toarrow, D6, for one or more of an inspection, testing, removal ofweights, and/or further processing.

It will be appreciated that the audit balancing sub-station 624described in FIGS. 6A-3D prevents potentially imbalanced tire-wheelassemblies, TW_(W), TW_(SW), from being discharged by the single-cellworkstation 600 b. One or more reasons may contribute to an imbalancedtire-wheel assembly, TW_(W), TW_(SW). For example, the device 650 a mayretrieve a weight from one or more of the bins 622 a-622 n that do nothave an expected value; accordingly, it is probable that, for example, a½ ounce weight may be improperly placed with and retrieved from the bin622 a when it is expected that the bin 622 a contains, for example, ⅛ounce weights. Further, in an embodiment, one or more of the preliminarybalancing sub-station 620 and the audit balancing sub-station 624 maynot be properly calibrated, thereby resulting in an imbalance of thetire-wheel assembly, TW_(W), TW_(SW). As such, in view of the aboveexamples, it will be appreciated that if one or more imbalancedtire-wheel assemblies, TW_(W), TW_(SW), are discharged according to thedirection of arrow, D5′, to the rework sub-station 626, one or more ofthe single-cell workstations 600 a, 600 b may be selectively shut downsuch that an operator, O, may discover and correct one or more issuesrelated to an imbalance of the tire-wheel assembly, TW_(SW).

Although two, distinct, single-cell workstations are shown generally at600 a and 600 b, it will be appreciated that sub-stations 612-626 ofeach of the single-cell workstations 600 a, 600 b may be integrated intoone, single-cell workstation, which is shown generally at 700 in FIG. 9.As such, if one, single-cell workstation 700 is provided, a singledevice 650 may be provided for processing a tire-wheel assembly, TW,with each of the sub-stations 612-626. As illustrated, the single-cellworkstation 700 does not include the conveyor, C1, which is utilized tobridge the illustrated workstations 600 a, 600 b, but rather, a singleconveyor, C2, for discharging tire-wheel assemblies that are approved bythe audit balancing sub-station 624.

Further, in an embodiment, a single-cell workstation is shown generallyat 800 in FIG. 10. As illustrated, the single-cell workstation 800 alsoincludes a device 650.

In an embodiment, the functionality of the single-cell workstation 700shown in FIG. 9 is provided by the single-cell workstation 800 with theexception that the preliminary and audit balancing sub-stations 620, 624are eliminated. Because the preliminary and audit balancing sub-stations620, 624 are eliminated, the functionality of the preliminary and auditbalancing sub-stations 620, 624 may be conducted by another component,such as, for example, the device 650.

In an embodiment, once the device 650 interfaces with aninflated/weighted/supplementally weighted tire-wheel assembly,TW_(I)/TW_(W)TW_(SW), the device 650 may perform the function of thepreliminary/audit balancing sub-stations 620, 624 by spinning theinflated/weighted/supplementally weighted tire-wheel assembly,TW_(I)/TW_(W)/TW_(SW), at an extremely fast speed. In an embodiment, thespinning of the inflated/weighted/supplementally weighted tire-wheelassembly, TW_(I)/TW_(W)/TW_(SW), may be conducted by interfacing thewheel, W, of the inflated/weighted/supplementally weighted tire-wheelassembly, TW_(I)/TW_(W)/TW_(SW), with the claw portion 660 and thensubsequently spinning the claw portion 660 relative the arm portion 658.

Due to the fact that noise, vibrations and harshness may be experiencedby the device 650 during the spinning of theinflated/weighted/supplementally weighted tire-wheel assembly,TW_(I)/TW_(W)/TW_(SW), it will be appreciated that the device 650 maynot properly conduct the preliminary/audit balancing operations. Assuch, it will be appreciated that the noise, vibrations and harshnessexperienced by the device 650 should be substantially cancelled oreliminated. Accordingly, to substantially cancel or eliminate the noise,vibrations and harshness, the device 650 may engage or otherwiseinterface with a grounding sub-station, which is shown at and hereinreferred to as a balancer grounding sub-station 628.

In operation, any portion 654-660 of the device 650 may be retained,clamped or otherwise secured to the balancer grounding sub-station 628.For example, in an embodiment, the arm portion 658 may be retained,clamped or otherwise secured by the balancer grounding sub-station 628.In an embodiment, the arm portion 658 may interface with and be retainedwithin a recess formed in a body portion of the balancer groundingstation 628. In another embodiment, one or more clamps may extend fromthe body of the balancer ground station 628 for, in an embodiment,clamping one or more portions 654-660 of the device 650, such as, forexample, the arm portion 658.

Because the device 650 may be retained, clamped or otherwise secured bythe balancer grounding station 628, any noise, vibrations and harshnessexperienced by the device 650 during the spinning of theinflated/weighted/supplementally weighted tire-wheel assembly,TW_(I)/TW_(W)/TW_(SW), is thereby transmitted to and/or absorbed by thebalancer grounding sub-station 628. Thus, the balancer groundingsub-station 628 may negate or minimize the noise, vibration andharshness, otherwise experienced by the device 650 such that the device650 may repeatably perform the functions of each of thepreliminary/audit balancing sub-stations 620, 624.

Because the preliminary and audit balancing functions are conduct by onemechanism (i.e., the device 650), the potential of an improperlycalibrated balancing sub-station (i.e., one or both of the preliminaryand audit balancing sub-stations 620, 624) is eliminated; as such, thedevice 650 eliminates one potential reason for an imbalanced tire-wheelassembly. Further, because two sub-stations (i.e., the preliminary andaudit balancing sub-stations 620, 624) are not provided in the singlecell workstation 800 when compared to the single-cell workstation 700,the overall capital and maintenance costs of the single-cell workstation800 may be reduced in view of the lack of the additional sub-stations(i.e., the preliminary and audit balancing sub-stations 620, 624).

Referring to FIG. 13, a single-cell workstation system including aplurality of single-cell workstations for processing a wheel, tire and atire-wheel assembly is shown generally at 950 according to anembodiment. In an embodiment, the single-cell workstation system 950includes at least three devices 950 a, 950 b, 950 c. In operation, eachdevice 950 a, 950 b, 950 c interfaces with a wheel, W, in order toperform one or more steps for processing one or more of a wheel, W,alone, or a tire, T, joined to the wheel, W (e.g., a tire-wheelassembly, TW). The ability of each device 950 a, 950 b, 950 c tointerface with the wheel, W, permits the wheel, W (and, if a tire, T, ismounted thereto, a tire-wheel assembly, TW), to be “handed-off” toneighboring devices (e.g., devices 950 a and 950 b, or, 950 b and 950c).

In an embodiment, as similarly described above, each device 950 a, 950b, 950 c may include a robotic arm. Although not structurallyrepresented in FIG. 13, the listing of steps immediately below eachdevice 950 a, 950 b, 950 c represent sub-stations associated with eachdevice 950 a, 950 b, 950 c. Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 13, anembodiment of the invention may include three single-cell workstationsthat collectively form the single-cell workstation system 950.

In an embodiment, the device 950 a may interface with, for example,several sub-stations that perform the following steps: retrieve/pick awheel having a particular geometry (see step 1 associated with device950 a). Upon picking the wheel, the device 950 a may be used to assistin optionally attach a valve stem to the wheel (see step 1 a associatedwith device 950 a); however, in some circumstances, the wheel may bepre-stemmed, and, as such, in some circumstances, the optional stemmingstep may be obviated.

Next, the device 950 a may be used to assist in orientating the wheel toindex a TPM sensor in an orientation that does not interfere with orcome into contact with a tire in a subsequent tire mounting step (seestep 3 associated with device 950 a). Next, the device 950 a may be usedto assist in soaping the wheel (see step 4 associated with device 950a). Next, the device 950 a may be used to assist in the mounting of atire to the wheel (see step 5 associated with device 950 a) in order toform a tire-wheel assembly. Next, the device 950 a may be used to assistin the imaging of the tire-wheel assembly (see step 6 associated withdevice 950 a) to subsequently match-mark the tire-wheel assembly (seestep 7 associated with device 950 a). Next, the device 950 a may be usedto assist with the auditing of the match-marked tire-wheel assembly (seestep 8 associated with device 950 a). Next, the device 950 a hands-offthe processed tire-wheel assembly to the device 950 b (see step 9associated with device 950 a).

Next, the device 950 b may be used to assist in inflating the tire-wheelassembly (see step 1 associated with device 950 b). Next, the device 950b hands-off the inflated tire-wheel assembly to the device 950 c (seestep 2 associated with device 950 b).

Next, the device 950 c may be used to assist in testing the uniformity(i.e., push/pull forces) of the tire mounted to the wheel (see firststep 1 associated with device 950 c). Next, the device 950 c may be usedto assist in the balancing of the tire-wheel assembly (see first step 2associated with device 950 c). Next, the device 950 c may be used toassists in the application of a weight to the tire-wheel assembly (seefirst step 3 associated with device 950 c). Next, the device 950 c maybe used to assist in the auditing of the balanced and weight-appliedtire-wheel assembly (see first step 4 associated with device 950 c).

Although the device 950 c has been described above to perform foursteps, the device 950 c may be alternatively utilized to perform thestep of seating beads of a tire in bead seats of a wheel (see secondstep 1 associated with device 950 c). Next, the device 950 c may be usedto assist in testing the uniformity (i.e., push/pull forces) of the tiremounted to the wheel (see second step 2 associated with device 950 c).Next, the device 950 c may be used to assist in the balancing of thetire-wheel assembly (see second step 3 associated with device 950 c).Next, the device 950 c may be used to assists in the application of aweight to the tire-wheel assembly (see second step 4 associated withdevice 950 c). Next, the device 950 c may be used to assist in theauditing of the balanced and weight-applied tire-wheel assembly (seesecond step 5 associated with device 950 c).

As stated above, although not structurally represented in FIG. 13, thelisting of steps immediately below each device 950 a, 950 b, 950 crepresent sub-stations associated with each device 950 a, 950 b, 950 c;accordingly any sub-station described in any of the previous Figures inthis application may be utilized to perform any functionality associatedwith any of the steps. Further, although the steps are listed with anumerical, sequential order, an embodiment of the invention is notlimited to a sequential ordering of the steps described at FIG. 13, but,rather, the steps may be performed out of sequential order, as desired.

The present invention has been described with reference to certainexemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention inspecific forms other than those of the exemplary embodiments describedabove. This may be done without departing from the spirit of theinvention. For example most embodiments shown herein depict engaging awheel (by way of a robotic arm) and manipulating the wheel to mount atire thereon. However, nothing herein shall be construed to limit thescope of the present invention to only manipulating a wheel to mount atire thereon. Specifically the teaching of the present invention alsoenables one skilled in the art to practice the invention by engaging atire (by way of a robotic arm), and manipulating the tire to mount thewheel thereon. The exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative andshould not be considered restrictive in any way. The scope of theinvention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents,rather than by the preceding description.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A method for processing a tire-wheel assembly,comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of sub-stations of asingle-cell workstation; disposing a tire/wheel transporting devicewithin reach of all of the plurality of sub-stations; and moving thetire-wheel assembly to to/from each of the plurality of sub-stations forproviding one or more weights to an imbalanced tire-wheel assembly, andauditing the tire-wheel assembly by determining if the imbalancedtire-wheel assembly has been substantially corrected responsive toproviding said one or more weights to the imbalanced tire-wheelassembly.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, subsequent tothe determining step: providing additional weight to the tire-wheelassembly, and re-auditing the imbalanced tire-wheel for re-determiningif the imbalanced tire-wheel assembly has been substantially corrected.22. The method according to claim 20, wherein, subsequent to there-determining step: discharging the imbalanced tire-wheel assembly to arework station of the plurality of sub-stations.
 23. A method forprocessing a tire-wheel assembly, comprising the steps of: providing aplurality of sub-stations of a single-cell workstation; disposing atire/wheel transporting device within reach of all of the plurality ofsub-stations; and moving the tire-wheel assembly to to/from each of theplurality of sub-stations for providing one or more weights to animbalanced tire-wheel assembly, and retaining the tire/wheeltransporting device for permitting one or more of the steps ofdetermining if the tire-wheel assembly is imbalanced, and auditing thetire-wheel assembly by determining if the imbalanced tire-wheel assemblyhas been substantially corrected responsive to providing said one ormore weights to the imbalanced tire-wheel assembly.
 24. The methodaccording to claim 23, wherein the tire/wheel transporting deviceincludes: an arm portion, and a claw portion connected to the armportion, wherein the determining if the tire-wheel assembly isimbalanced step and the auditing the tire-wheel assembly step isconducted by retaining one of the tire and wheel with the claw portion,and rotating the claw portion relative the arm portion.
 25. The methodaccording to claim 23, wherein, subsequent to the determining if thetire-wheel assembly is imbalanced step, further comprising the steps of:providing additional weight to the tire-wheel assembly, and re-auditingthe imbalanced tire-wheel for re-determining if the imbalancedtire-wheel assembly has been substantially corrected.
 26. The methodaccording to claim 25, wherein, subsequent to the re-determining step:discharging the imbalanced tire-wheel assembly to a rework station ofthe plurality of sub-stations.
 27. A method of utilizing a single-cellworkstation system, comprising the steps: providing a first deviceincluding a robotic arm that assist in performing the steps of: pickinga wheel, attaching a valve stem to the wheel, orientating the wheel toindex a TPM sensor, soaping the wheel, mounting a tire to the wheel inorder to form a tire-wheel assembly, imaging the tire-wheel assembly,match-marking the tire-wheel assembly, and auditing the match-markedtire-wheel assembly, providing a second device including a robotic armthat assist in performing the steps of: as a result of being handed-offfrom the first device, receiving the tire-wheel assembly at the seconddevice, inflating the tire-wheel assembly proving a third deviceincluding a robotic arm that assist in performing the steps of: as aresult of being handed-off from the second device, receiving theinflated tire-wheel assembly at the third device, testing a uniformityof the tire mounted to the wheel, balancing the tire-wheel assembly,applying a weight to the tire-wheel assembly, auditing the balanced andweight-applied tire-wheel assembly.